8 NGOs That Are Battling Climate Change Across The Globe
What if you were told that the COVID-19 virus is not the only crisis the world is struggling with right now. The growing threat of climate change is changing the face of Earth, one ocean, one iceberg and one island at a time. While you would have seen Greta Thunberg or Licypriya Kangujam take center stage to talk about the pressing circumstances of climate change and igniting a spark, the world has a long way to go. We are inevitably a part of an era taking the planet to its destruction. However, the good news is that only we can prevent, reverse, and repair the damage done.
But is climate change a significant threat?
The figures stated below stand as a testimony to that.
- Our oceans have around 5.2 trillion plastic debris, with more being added every minute.
- As many as 7 million people die every year because of poor air quality.
- The Arctic ice has shrunk by about 40% since 1979.
- Almost all land areas are witnessing hotter days and heatwaves, with 2020 marked as one of the hottest years yet.
- If the global temperature keeps rising, the Arctic will probably see ice-free summers by 2050.
In an attempt to reverse these numbers, these 8 NGOs are thriving to make the planet a better and greener place.
1. SankalpTaru Foundation
SankalpTaru Foundation has its strong roots when it comes to saving the environment. They aim at promoting tree plantation across India, and so far, millions of trees have been planted across 21 states. Conceptualised by Apurva Bhandari in 2013, the NGO employs many digital channels to spread awareness about environmental conservation and track the progress of the plantation drives. You may know more about their work or volunteer with them as well. Click here for more information.
2. Environmental Defence Fund
Leading the way for environmental protection for over 50 years now, the Environmental Defence Fund is battling climate change in a very proactive manner. Their target is to stabilise the climate for a secure and healthy future, slash methane production to slow down global warming and make communities more resilient to climate change. This US-based NGO protects a range of Earth’s treasures, such as energy, ecosystem, oceans, health, and climate. They are a network of 2.5 million and growing; together, they have taken pragmatic efforts that benefits people and nature. Click here to donate or volunteer.
3. Chintan
Chintan is one of the biggest names for environmental NGOs in India, and for all the right reasons. It works hard to enforce a more responsible consumption of resources in the country that are both easy on the pocket and sustainable. They are also at the forefront when it comes to proper waste management. Chintan is centred on environmental justice, with a shared goal of making sustainable production, consumption and waste disposal a default setting. For them, sustainability is a holistic concept, which we can only achieve without a lapse in any of these processes. Click here to know more about them.
4. Earth Justice
Delivering environmental justice since 1971, Earth Justice has been going to court for more than 50 years, achieving hundreds of victories for the environment and its people. They know that changes are long-lasting and impactful under the law, which is why they serve their public interest clients with top-tier legal representation in the fight for justice. They pride themselves as the legal backbone for the environmental movement, and in a quest to build a sustainable future, they represent their clients free of charge. So far, they have reversed, changed, and implemented several serious environmental issues across the USA. Check them out here.
5. Marine Conservation Institute
The ocean life is in dire danger, and it needs our immediate attention. NGOs like Marine Conservation Institute are instrumental in aiding the beautiful aquatic life to thrive. For the past 25 years, this NGO has been building Blue Parks – a global ocean refuge system that will safeguard biodiversity in at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. So far, 21 such Blue Parks are running across various countries, successfully protecting marine life. The USA based NGO also offers courses for people who wish to build a career in marine conservation. Their efforts are making a difference, and with each year, they are only getting better. You may volunteer, donate, or know more about how they are saving the ocean here.
6. Navdanya
Navdanya aims to empower the backbone of India, that is, the farmers. Vandana Shiva, one of the most influential environmentalists globally, is one of the founders of the organisation. Since 1984, their vision has been clear – to promote biodiversity, conservation, organic farming, seed saving, and farmers’ rights. So far, the organisation has trained more than half a million farmers in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. This has been possible with the help of 122 community-based seed banks throughout the country. They have also been paving the way for establishing the largest direct marketing fair trade network in India. Since farming is one of the most widespread occupations in the country, Navdanya ensures that every step of the farming process is sustainable and profitable for the farmers. Want to know how they do it? Find it here.
7. Green Cross International
Founded by the former Soviet Union President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mikhail Gorbachev, this NGO is headquartered in Geneva. “Give humanity a chance, give Earth a future” – is the objective by which all their member organisations that spread over 30 countries abide diligently. Through various projects and advocacy, they address the interconnected global challenges of security, poverty, and environmental degradation. From smart energy, reforestation, rights to water and sanitation, ecological safety and sustainability, to providing healthcare, social care and education, the Green Cross International has been imbibing radical change since its inception in 1993. You may have a look at their work here.
8. Friends of the Earth
With 73 national member groups and more than 5,000 local activists groups in every continent and over 2 million members worldwide, Friends of the Earth is the world’s largest grassroots environmental network. They campaign against the most pressing and urgent social and ecological issues. They ride on creating a world that is sustainable as well as socially just. Challenging today’s lop-sided economic and corporate globalisation, the organisation is making landmark changes to deliver food sovereignty, climate justice, biodiversity, and clean energy. Their work is available here.
The fight for a greener and sustainable planet is a long marathon and not a sprint. Collective and consistent efforts by each of us will shape the future of life on this planet. Every little thing counts; every little switch-over counts. If you are moved, even a little bit, by what these NGOs are doing, then make sure that you take a leaf and take a step towards conserving our planet
